Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Exams and Tests

A diagnosis of
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is based on your
symptoms, medical history, and a physical exam. Your doctor may also
want a
mental health assessment, which is an evaluation of
your emotional functioning and your ability to think, reason, and remember
(cognitive functioning). A mental health assessment may include an examination
of your
nervous system, written or verbal tests, and
laboratory tests (such as blood and urine tests) as well as a review of your
appearance, mood, behavior, thinking, reasoning, memory, and ability to express
yourself.

Many people with OCD live with the condition for years
before being diagnosed, or they go without treatment because they are afraid or
embarrassed to talk about their symptoms. Answers to three questions
may help your health professional diagnose whether you have OCD:4

Do you have repeated thoughts that cause
anxiety and that you cannot get rid of no matter how hard you
try?

Do you wash your hands frequently or keep things extremely
clean and neat?

Do you excessively check things?

If your doctor suspects you have OCD, he or
she will look for a full range of symptoms that will confirm the diagnosis,
including:5

Recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or
images that are intrusive and inappropriate, cause anxiety or distress, and are
not simply excessive worries about real-life issues.

Attempts to
suppress or ignore the thoughts or get rid of them with other thoughts or
actions.

A recognition that the obsessions are created in your own
mind and don't make sense.

Repetitive behaviors, such as
hand-washing, ordering, praying, or checking that you're driven to do in
response to the obsession. The behaviors are aimed at preventing or reducing
distress or preventing a dreaded event.

For a diagnosis of OCD, the obsessions or compulsions must
be time-consuming (more than 1 hour a day) or greatly interfere with your
normal routine at work or school and affect social activities and
relationships.

Early Detection

Early detection and proper treatment is very
important in improving the course of OCD. This disorder is often a long-lasting
(chronic) condition that will need to be monitored throughout your life.

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How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions

Related Articles

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Cause
Some experts believe that a problem related to infections, such as strep throat or scarlet fever, can suddenly bring on the disorder or make its symptoms worse in some children.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - When To Call A Doctor
If you have OCD (especially with depression ) and are feeling suicidal, or if you know someone with OCD who is feeling suicidal, call a doctor or right away. Warning signs of suicide include talking about death or giving away possessions.

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